Former school director assisting in search for stolen items

A former Limestone County school administrator is assisting authorities in locating tens of thousands of dollars worth of items he admitted to stealing from the school district, including items he sold online.

District Attorney Brian Jones said it is his understanding Glass still has a stove, dishwasher, fridge, trailer, lawnmower, and a 16' x 16' building at his Elkmont property. Authorities believe all items were stolen from the tech center.

Investigators said they are working in Madison County to recover a tractor Glass is believed to have sold. Various items showed up on eBay and Craigslist, including welders and small engines. Some of those items have been located as far away as Florida and Texas.

Tuesday afternoon, Glass' attorney James Irby released a statement on behalf of his client:

"I sincerely apologize to the local citizens that fund our school with their hard-earned money, my wife and children, my friends, church and the students and faculty of Elkmont High School and the Limestone County Career Technical Center as well as the administration and members of the Limestone County Board of Education for my wrong and illegal actions.

"I sincerely ask for forgiveness from all whom I have wronged and disappointed for the terrible example I set before the students of Limestone County.

"My first steps toward trying to earn back the respect of my family and community is to fully admit my wrong and illegal actions, accept full responsibility and make restitution for the damage that I am responsible for.

"Again I am truly storry for what I have done and ask forgiveness. [Signed,] Mickey Glass."

Glass was sentenced to ten years in prison but a judge suspended the sentence. He resigned his position at a school board meeting Monday night.

Some people question the plea deal the DA and Glass agreed to. Glass is on five years' supervised release and avoids a 20-year prison term if he stays out of trouble. Jones said Glass received no favors and his crimes have ruined his career.

"This is by far not a really good deal," he said. "Here's a man that was a well-respected educator with a good job and a family who is now a convicted felon with 20 years hanging over his head, with five years' supervised probation. Basically, for the rest of his life, he is losing his teaching certificate and he lost his job."

Jones said a typical case lasts around 18-24 months. Glass' only took a few months because he came clean right away and admited to the thefts, which the DA said saved taxpayers' valuable funds in the end.

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